Hero dog Kabang on road to recovery at UC Davis

Kabang may be missing her upper snout, but the dog recognized by the American Red Cross as a hero has much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving -- including a speedy recovery from her chemotherapy treatment at UC Davis Veterinary School.

Newspapers in the Philippines reported that Kabang had her snout and upper jaw mangled off last December when she jumped in front of a speeding motor tricycle to save two girls.

Kabang, a mixed-breed thought to be around 2, is finishing chemotherapy for a vaginal tumor. The treatment is necessary, veterinarians say, before doctors can perform dental and cosmetic surgery to close the gaping whole on her face.

She was also treated for heartworm.

"Kabang is doing well, nearing the end of chemotherapy treatment," said Pat Bailey, senior public information officer for UCD News Service. "The tumor has shrunk to about the size of a pea."

She had another treatment Tuesday, UCD veterinarians report there is no longer a measurable presence of a tumor at this point.

"Kabang received her fifth round of chemo today," according to the blog on UCD's website about Kabang's progress. "Her strength has remained strong throughout the chemotherapy, and she has gained two pounds since her last visit. The treatments have been highly successful, eliminating any measurable presence of a tumor at this point."

The ultimate goal is for Kabang to recover and eventually return to her home country, according to vets.

Kabang's owner is Rudy Bunggal, who took in Kabang as a stray puppy a few years ago. The Bunggals live in Zamboanga City, Philippines, in the southern region of the country.

Witnesses say 9-year-old Dina Bunggal, Rudy's daughter,- and her 3-year-old cousin, Princess Diansing, were crossing a busy street in the path of a motorcycle at the time the accident occurred last December. Kabang, the family dog, ran into the street and lunged at the motorcycle, knocking it off balance.

Kabang's upper snout was entangled in the front wheel of the motorcycle causing it to be torn from her face, according to UCD. The dog ran from the scene without being treated and turned up at the family home two weeks later.

"Bunggal refused to have Kabang euthanized," according to the blog. "Veterinarian Anton Lim, with the help of his Tzu Chi Foundation and the Philippines-based Animal Welfare Coalition, has been able to administer antibiotics to Kabang, but knows that eventually her wound needs to be closed, a procedure veterinarians in the Philippines are unable to perform."

After hearing of Kabang's plight, Karen Kenngott, a critical care nurse in upstate New York, launched fundraising efforts to bring the dog to America to get the treatments she needs.

Kabang arrived in Davis on Oct. 8, escorted by Dr. Lim.

Doctors at UCD say her eventual facial surgery will focus on closing the wound to give her a better quality of life without the constant worry of infection. Recreating Kabang's upper snout is not possible, they said.

Kabang was initially examined by veterinary surgeons Boaz Arzi and Frank Verstraete last month, who said they "are confident we can improve her condition going forward."

Kabang is set to be honored at the annual American Red Cross Heroes luncheon Friday, Dec. 7, at UCD.